Healthy Recipes

Welcome to the City of Bryan’s Employee Wellness Website! In 2007 the City of Bryan Risk Management Department implemented a wellness program for all benefit eligible employees. This program, Healthy Lifestyles, was added not only to protect the City’s health insurance investment, but to protect our most valuable asset; our employees. Since its implementation, Healthy Lifestyles has grown into a comprehensive program and a vital part of the City of Bryan’s Employee Benefit Package. Today, with approximately 850 employees enrolled in our health plan, participation in the wellness program has gone from extremely limited, to commonplace and continues to grow as we continue to make Bryan a healthy place to live and work.

$0 COPAYMENT TIER NOW INCLUDES SOME SMOKING CESSATION PRODUCTS (up to 2 sessions per year)

This includes the brand Chantix, generic Zyban.

In addition, effective July 1, 2013 the Plan will now cover over-the-counter lozenges, gum, and patches. A prescription is required if you want the Plan to cover it for a $0 copay.

Nasal sprays and inhalers
are not covered.

$4 Generic Program

Many local pharmacies offer a $4 generic program. You are able to take advanatge of these even though you have prescription benefits through the City of Bryan. Click here to view information about the $4 generic program.

Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to protect children and adults against many common infectious diseases. Visit with your healthcare provider or make an appointment at the City of Bryan Employee Health Center to make sure that you and your family are up to date on your immunizations.

Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and could potentially cause death in the elderly, young children and those who have other health conditions.

Signs & Symptoms

Fever

Coughing

Sore throat

Runny nose

Headaches

Body aches

Fatigue

Some may experience vomiting and/or diarrhea

Flu Prevention

The flu vaccine is your best line of defense against the flu. Flu vaccines are offered annually. The City of Bryan offers vaccines to all employees at no cost. Covered dependents (age 5 years and up) are able to get the vaccine through the Employee Health Center for no charge as well.

Other ways to avoid the flu include: avoiding those who are sick, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and staying home if you are sick.

The two main types of smokeless tobacco are chewing tobacco and snuff.

Smokeless tobacco causes oral health problems, including cancer.

Contains 28 cancer-causing agents.

Adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers.

Smokeless tobacco is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking.

Smoking Cessation:

Approximately 70% of adult smokers in the United States would like to quit smoking. Nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the United States and it often takes a smoker multiple attempts to quit.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has resources available at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/tobacco/ including the Quitline which is free to all Texas citizens. The Quitline provides professional support and counseling.

How can you burn off some of those extra calories before they turn into extra pounds? After thinking about a particular dish you savored (was it that piece of chocolate cake?), try our “Get Moving! Calculator” to see how many calories you expend doing your favorite exercise or activity.

Depression can affect both men and women of all ages. Everyone has moments of sadness but generally these feelings are temporary and go away after a short period of time. When these feelings linger and begin interfering with your daily life you may be suffering from depression. Depression is a serious illness and most people may need treatment.

Signs & Symptoms

Persistent sad or anxious feelings

Feelings of hopelessness

Feelings of guilt or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities you once found pleasurable

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating

Insomnia

Overeating or loss of appetite

Thoughts of suicide

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, consider visiting with your doctor about treatments that might help you. You may also receive help through the City of Bryan’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Deer Oaks EAP provides assessments, guidance counseling, crisis intervention and more. You may contact them directly at 1-866-EAP-2400.